Leading Self and Organisational Change

Module description

Summary:

Completing an MBA, particularly one with a One Planet focus, is a process of transformation. Managers are asked to develop sustainable strategies with an eye to responsible stewardship of financial, social and natural resources; often in an uncertain and changing landscape. Here at Exeter we believe that preparing managers for that landscape requires an enquiring mind coupled with authentic practise. It is a question of leadership and the answer lies in thinking and acting that brings about meaningful change. This module is focussed on developing mindsets and behaviours which connect, create and lead self and others towards ethical and responsible action. Drawing on the expertise of the Centre for Leadership Studies, this module brings faculty and development practitioners alongside students to explore and share contemporary thinking in leadership development and managerial practice. Using critical, reflective and experiential learning students will embark on a personal development journey that will complement the insights gained from other modules and facilitate the development of an integrated, coherent and responsible approach to leadership and learning.

Additional Information:

InternationalisationThis module is structured to enable students to bring in their own work experiences and reflect on various aspects of leadership, which are universal skills.

SustainabilityIssues related to leadership in various social and environmental conditions, such as adaptable leadership, are explored in this module.

External EngagementPrevious guest speakers have included Exeter graduate and Co-Founder of the Heart of Borneo Project, and a speaker from the NHS spoke on working in culturally diverse groups.

EmployabilityIn this module, students have the opportunity to do work-based assignments, including participation in a leadership exchange wherein students work for three days shadowing each other in each student’s organisation. This exposes them to different contexts, allowing them to reflect and develop their skills. Students also develop a number of valuable skills, including self-awareness in teams, critical thinking, individual and shared reflection on leadership.

Full module specification

Module title:

Leading Self and Organisational Change

Module code:

MBAM827

Module level:

M

Academic year:

2013/4

Module lecturers:

Alison Hogan - Convenor

Dr Richard Bolden - Convenor

Module credit:

24

ECTS value:

12

Pre-requisites:

None

Co-requisites:

None

Duration of module:

Duration (weeks) - term 1:

Taught over 2 years for duration of programme

Module aims

Completing an MBA, particularly one with a One Planet focus, is a process of transformation. Managers are asked to develop sustainable strategies with an eye to responsible stewardship of financial, social and natural resources; often in an uncertain and changing landscape. Here at Exeter we believe that preparing managers for that landscape requires an enquiring mind coupled with authentic practise. It is a question of leadership and the answer lies in thinking and acting that brings about meaningful change. This module is focussed on developing mindsets and behaviours which connect, create and lead self and others towards ethical and responsible action. Drawing on the expertise of the Centre for Leadership Studies, this module brings faculty and development practitioners alongside students to explore and share contemporary thinking in leadership development and managerial practice. Using critical, reflective and experiential learning students will embark on a personal development journey that will complement the insights gained from other modules and facilitate the development of an integrated, coherent and responsible approach to leadership and learning.

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Identify and work towards own personal development goals - understanding the role of learning in effective leadership.

Syllabus plan

Workshops: The main face-to-face component of the module will comprise five, one-day workshops preceding each formal, compulsory module within the Executive MBA. Workshops will address key issues/themes of importance to personal learning, development and transformation on the One Planet MBA programme. An indicative set of content is outlined here although this may be reviewed and revised as the module progresses in conjunction with students and faculty.• Leading Self (reflective mindset); personal development goals; personal preferences and learning style.• Leading Change (analytic mindset); critical thinking, creativity and innovation; resilience; mindfulness; presenting a compelling argument.• Leading Others (collaborative mindset); influence, negotiation and delegation; dealing with difficult people and situations; working in teams.• Leading in Context (worldly mindset); understanding culture; the geography of leadership; the power of framing.• Leading organisations (catalytic mindset): delivering on sustainability; creating a compelling future; review of learning and action plan.

Leadership exchange: Students will complete a ‘leadership exchange’ in which they shadow another participant (or someone else, as agreed with the module director) in the workplace for two days and then reciprocate the exchange at a later stage (usually after around 4-6 months). The two-way nature of the exchange is important as it gives the student the experience of being both the observer and the observed. In advance of the exchange, participants will receive guidance and support on the processes of observation, active listening and self reflection, and following the exchange they will be required to write a reflective essay on their learning and also to provide a set of notes/observations to their exchange partner. It is important to note that the leadership exchange is not a consulting assignment or a traditional shadowing arrangement - it is a rich and interactive opportunity to observe and reflect on leadership and managerial practice in context.

Enquiry groups: Throughout this module students are encouraged to engage with and support one another as members of an active learning group. Students will be assigned to a group of 4-6 members who are encouraged to meet and interact with one another on a regular basis. Enquiry groups will be allocated a number of tasks during the module, including: sharing peer-peer feedback on written assignments, providing peer-peer coaching and support on work-based challenges, and monitoring and discussing personal transformation and learning throughout the programme. They will also be expected to work together in the production of a report/presentation on a key leadership challenge.

Coached online learning: Between sessions and activities students will be expected to engage as active members of an online learning community. This will involve engaging with online materials/resources, participating in online debates/forums, and completing an online learning journal. Some structure will be provided by academic faculty and online coaching/feedback will be provided in respect of the learning journal, however, it is intended that students will take responsibility for their own learning and developing an active and valuable learning community.